John Shackleton is an accomplished and innovative filmmaker and Director, known for his exceptional storytelling skills, clear vision, and dedication to delivering high-quality projects.
Screenwriter
Filmmaker
TV Director
John has produced hundreds of hours of unscripted television for prominent broadcasters like BBC,
Channel 4, and Channel 5 in the roles of Series Director and Producer/Director (self-shooting). Here are a few of his recent credits: **Dorset: Country and Coast (C5) - RTS nominated**
Testimonials
Aaron Paul - CEO Rebel Media
Heidi Gomes - Creative Director, Bowled Over Media
John has been a delight to work with across the latest series of Narrow Escapes. From his charming manner with contributors and awareness that his location is also their home, to his excellent cinematography and story coverage, and his array of kit to get us some remarkable shots.
Working on a series with locations constantly moving and needing to be adaptable and patient, John has excelled and I'd be delighted to highly recommend him to all, though a bit worried we might not get him back!
John is an exceptional self-shooting PD who works equally well by himself or part of a bigger team. A multi-skilled and collaborative creative, John's vision and directorial style is unique, exciting and can work within the limitations of non-scripted budgets without compromising style. Able and willing to turn a brand-new format into a well-produced and exciting brand. John is great with contributors and getting the most out of them on camera. He has a proactive approach to be able to follow the story and adapt quickly if a stronger narrative arises during the filming process. Has fantastic communication skills and always challenges himself to supply the best stories editorially and visually.
Joff Powell - Executive Producer Kindling Media
Doug Hope – Executive Producer BBC Natural History Unit
John is a highly creative, intuitive and capable director who ups the game of every project he's involved with. I have worked with him on and off for the last fifteen years and he is absolutely my go to guy when I need something to look and feel great.
He understands narrative, has a natural flair and is a born storyteller. John has a unique ability to seemingly conjure something amazing from very little and sees opportunity in every nook and cranny of a tight budget and impossible deadline.
John is one of a kind, gets on with everyone and never, and I mean NEVER moans.
Jannine Waddell - CEO Waddell Media
'John was a great member of the team, creative and thorough - in what has been a very tough and complicated schedule on Animal Impossible, but he has delivered every time from the moors of the Mendips to Zero Gravity in Florida‘
Pat Doyle - Executive Producer (freelance)
John Shackleton is a legend: one of the hardest grafting; most tirelessly creative people I've ever met. And what's more, in addition to his extensive TV work, John has achieved what most of us telly types have only ever talked about in the pub - he's made movies!
John was a fantastic asset as Series Director on 'Britain's Most Expensive Homes' for C4. He was great at dealing with contributors and difficult access and running many cameras on a tight schedule.